Lamb steak

Lamb roast is a dish that emanates warmth and tradition, often associated with festive meals and moments of joy with loved ones. This simple yet flavorful recipe will transform a piece of lamb into a true culinary feast. Follow the steps carefully and treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable gastronomic experience!

Preparation Time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Marinating time: 12 hours
- Cooking time: 3 hours
- Total time: 15 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6

Ingredients
- 1 kg lamb meat (the leg or shoulder is most suitable)
- 200 ml white wine (preferably dry)
- 100 ml white cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon ras el hanout (spice blend)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Chopped lovage leaves (about 5-6 leaves)
- A few sprigs of fresh mint (roughly chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation

1. Washing the meat: Start by washing the lamb meat well in cold water. This step is essential to remove any impurities and ensure a cleaner, tastier roast.

2. Preparing the aromatic bath: In a large bowl, combine salt, pepper, chopped lovage leaves, mint, crushed garlic, lemon juice, ras el hanout, and wine. Mix the ingredients until the salt completely dissolves. This aromatic mixture will infuse the meat with delicious flavors.

3. Marinating the meat: Place the lamb meat in the marinade and massage it well so that each portion is evenly coated. It is recommended to use an airtight container, as this will help the flavors penetrate the meat better. Ideally, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for 12 hours. If you have time, you can repeat the massage process every few hours.

4. Cooking the meat: Preheat the oven to 160°C. In a baking dish, add a tablespoon of oil and place the marinated meat. Pour 100 ml of wine over the meat and sprinkle some lovage leaves for added flavor.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Let the roast cook for 2 hours. Covering with foil will help retain moisture, making the meat tender and juicy.

6. Browning the roast: After two hours, remove the aluminum foil and take out the lovage leaves to avoid burning. Leave the roast in the oven for another hour until it is beautifully browned. If desired, for a more appealing look, you can sear the meat in a hot pan with oil for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.

Serving
The lamb roast is served warm, accompanied by side dishes such as roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can add a yogurt sauce with mint for a refreshing and delicious contrast. This dish is perfect for festive meals, as well as for a family dinner.

Practical Tips
- Choosing the meat: It is important to choose quality lamb meat, preferably from a trusted supplier. Young and well-maintained meat will provide a juicier roast.
- Spice varieties: Ras el hanout is an aromatic spice blend, but you can experiment with other spices such as cumin, coriander, or sweet paprika, depending on your preferences.
- Enhancing the marinade: Add vegetables like onion or carrot to your marinade to intensify the flavor.
- Storing the meat: If there is leftover meat, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

Nutritional Benefits
Lamb meat is an excellent source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Additionally, mint and lovage provide extra antioxidants, aiding digestion and having anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of meat? Yes, the marinade works well with beef or chicken as well. Just make sure to adjust the marinating and cooking times.
2. How do I know when the meat is done? Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature for lamb should be around 70°C for medium doneness.
3. Can it be served cold? Lamb roast is delicious at room temperature, making it perfect for sandwiches or appetizer platters.

I conclude with a personal note: Lamb roast is one of those recipes that brings people together. The memories created around the table and the aromas that fill the house are what matter most. So take your time, enjoy every step of the cooking process, and most importantly, every bite. Enjoy your meal!